Why Is There a Giant Rooster Statue in Downtown Shreveport?

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Shreveport has A LOT of history and tons of unique local landmarks. From the historic Municipal Auditorium which was the home to many moments in music history to the Ogilvie-Wiener Mansion which hosted high society parties including the likes of John Wayne and Doris Day, Shreveport is jammed full of fascinating facts. However, one of the most unique and eye catching landmarks in town is the giant, 9 foot tall rooster statue at the corner of Hope and Texas in Downtown Shreveport.

I never really knew why this rooster existed or how it got there. It's just so fascinating and intriguing to me! Well, after doing a little research, not only did I find who put up the giant rooster statue, but I also found out that weird rooster statues are pretty common across the country. According to Roadside Architecture, there are dozens of these things EVERYWHERE - From Texas to California! These things are on street coroners, in front yards at restaurants...just all over the place. Which is just wild.

The history of our giant rooster is a bit difficult to track down. I found multiple site that had different histories and origins of the statue. However, according to an article from KSLA published in 2011, our local rooster statue has an interesting back story. KSLA reports that Shreveport resident Jack Lamb put up the statue in the vacant parking just to watch people react to it. Lamb told KSLA "Often I'll just park over here and I'll watch people, kids will wave at it". Lamb also noted that his wife thought he was crazy for putting up the statue in the first place. In a later interview with 318 Forum, Lamb confessed that he owned property in the area and the rooster was a way to draw attention the often forgotten part of town.

No matter the reasons why it was put up, the random giant rooster has become a Shreveport staple. People still take TONS of pictures with it. During Mardi Gras season, the Rooster is covered in beads. It has truly become a legendary piece of Shreveport.

Lamb, who has a history of being a successful businessman and worked for several advertising agencies, told the Forum this: “Installing that rooster was the only time I ever bought or did anything like that. It was a wild idea, something crazy but a lot of fun."

The statue has remained in the same place for close to a decade now. Is it weird? Yes. But weird is kind of what Shreveport does best. So, thank you Mr. Lamb for adding to the strange and amazing history of Shreveport.